Prevention is Key!

This famous quote by Benjamin Franklin is engraved on the walk way of the University of Pennsylvania which he also founded in 1740.  While the original intention applies to the issue of “safety”, the quote relates very well to the foundation of dental health.  The key to the sustainability  of the dentition is prevention.

Many people spend so much money on things like hair care, skin care, and other cosmetic care; yet they don’t pay attention to their teeth because they may not have dental insurance.  The truth is that dental insurance companies could careless if you lose your teeth.  Their objective is simply to minimize the amount of money that they have to pay out in order to maximize their profits.  That is the reason why so many dental procedures are not covered by insurance companies. It is our job to take control of our own well being.

Neglecting the teeth can create complex issues that can be expensive and time consuming to fix.  In some cases the damages can be irreversible.  Just as important as our hair and our skin, our teeth deserve as much attention and care.  Before we allow the dentition to break down,  we must reevaluate our priorities and make dental preventive care a part of our daily lives.

Dental Care - An Ongoing Commitment

This week I received a beautiful flower arrangement from a patient.  It really marks over twenty five years that I have been taking care of her teeth.  Our professional relationship goes back to the days when I was still a dental student in the early 90's.  My patient is committed to the upkeep of her dental health, and I try hard to deliver my best dental care to her.

Indeed, dental care requires a commitment from both the patient and the dentist.  It really does not matter how well we perform the dentistry at the office.  If the patient is not committed to home care, then dental problems will continue to worsen.  Home care is not just about flossing and brushing.  For example:  in cases where the patient's bite and joints are considered at risk, staying committed to wearing the night guards will help minimize problems of excess wear and fractures of teeth and restorations in the mouth. 

When the patient and the dentist develop a mutual understanding of the patient's dental condition and what it takes to maintain optimum dental health, the result can be long lasting, manageable, and predictable.

Happy Father’s Day!

Whether you are honoring that guide or trying to be one, Happy Father’s Day!

Dental Bridges Pros and Cons

Tooth under bridge snapped off at the gum line

A dental bridge is a common prothesis used to replace missing teeth. Typically the two teeth on the side of the space are crowned to anchor the false tooth or teeth in between them.
Bridges are effective to address both functional and esthetic needs until they have problems. If one side of the anchor teeth becomes detached from the bridge, the entire unit has to be removed and replaced. Decay and bite pressure can cause loosening of bridges.

This X-Ray shows a bridge that lasted over 12 years in the patient’s mouth until one side of the anchor teeth broke off at the gum line. Depending on how the tooth breaks, sometime it is impossible to replace with a new bridge.

A better alternative to bridges is to use dental implant to replace just the missing tooth if the space in between them is optimized. By treating teeth independently we can better manage the physical force of the bite on the teeth and the prosthesis.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms.  #MomisForever